Accreditation
We have submitted the needed documents to the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), which promotes excellence in education through the application of professional standards that endorse academic integrity and quality, as well as exemplary health care, through the accreditation of educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance and medical dosimetry. As a new program, the maximum length of an initial accreditation award granted by the JRCERT is three years.
JRCERT
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
(312) 704-5300
mail@jrcert.org
Program Description
Mission Statement
The mission of the Duke Radiation Therapy Program is to provide the highest-quality training in standard and advanced techniques in radiation therapy technology. Through this training, the program seeks to develop critical thinking and technical skills necessary to deliver the best care. Upon completing the program, graduating students will receive a certificate and be prepared to meet the requirements for an entry-level position as a radiation therapist.
The Duke Radiation Oncology Therapy Training program is a 12-month certificate in radiation therapy technology. After completing this program and passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam, it would allow a graduate to become a licensed radiation therapist and a key member of the radiation oncology team responsible for the daily delivery of radiation treatments for cancer patients.
The radiation therapist position is in high demand and essential for Duke Health’s continued ability (and growth) to deliver radiation treatments to cancer patients. This new program aligns with Duke Health’s mission of providing training for many allied health professions. As a national leader in medical education, providing a foundational training program for entry-level radiation therapists augments the educational mission of Duke Radiation Oncology, which currently has leading training programs for medical residents, medical physics residents, graduate and medical students and other allied-health professionals.
The Radiation Therapy Program continues Duke Radiation Oncology's tradition of educational excellence. It will produce graduates who are steeped in the highest-quality patient care techniques. Our institutional culture is built upon the Duke Health System values of Excellence, Integrity, Teamwork, Respect and Innovation.
Student Learning Outcomes
The Radiation Therapy Program will provide the foundation for developing the curriculum and is based on the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) guidelines. The objectives of this program complement the philosophy, mission statement and institutional goals of Duke University Health Systems. We pledge to provide expert, compassionate and prompt clinical service to our patients; to generate new knowledge concerning the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer; and to transmit new knowledge from our clinical experiences while becoming a globally preeminent academic radiation oncology department. Moreover, we strive to be recognized for exceptional clinical care, conducting and reporting important research and practicing effective teaching. As one of the country's largest and most active academic radiation oncology programs, we embrace our responsibility to the public we serve.
The Duke University Health System's objective for the radiation therapy concentration is to provide a sound foundation for developing knowledge and skills pertinent to a practicing entry-level radiation therapist.
Program Goals
Deliver Exceptional Clinical Care Outcomes
Students will:
- Learn to position patients optimally (and understand the rationale for patient position), encompassing common and uncommon oncologic conditions for radiation treatments as directed in the treatment record/plan under the direct supervision of a radiation therapist.
- Operate equipment to deliver the prescribed therapeutic dose under the direct supervision of a radiation therapist.
- Demonstrate good radiation safety practices.
- Learn simulation procedures for various common cancers, including immobilization techniques and initial patient setup processes.
- Strive to meet patients' physical and emotional needs by providing timely, professional and compassionate care.
- Provide patient care essential to radiation therapy procedures and simulations.
- Recognize patient conditions requiring immediate action and initiate basic life-support procedures.
- Maintain patient records as instructed.
Oral and Written Communication Outcomes
Students will:
- Demonstrate practical oral communication skills in the clinical setting.
- Understand research methodology, having the opportunity to write and present an informative research paper.
Critical Thinking Outcomes
Students will:
- Recognize setup discrepancies.
- Design a treatment plan under supervision.
- Participate in the quality assurance program to include morning warm-ups and shadowing physicists during a monthly QA routine during their physics rotation.
- Provide input for equipment and supply decisions.
- Exercise professional judgment in the performance of procedures.
- Evaluate portal images and digitally reproduced radiographs.
Professional and Personal Growth Outcomes
Students will:
- Demonstrate understanding and commitment to values and ethics.
- Be knowledgeable of ARRT continuing education requirements
- Participate in professional and/or personal growth activities.
- Membership in State and National Societies
- Attend “Incident Learning” sessions
- Attend grand rounds, Departmental chart rounds and multidisciplinary rounds
Create Quality Radiation Therapist Community Outcomes
Program will:
- Complete and graduate all enrolled students.
- Prepare graduates to pass the ARRT exam on the first attempt.
- Graduate qualified and employable entry-level radiation therapists.
- Maintain knowledge of current ARRT practices.